From my experience, I only have a few pipe types for different materials, sizes, and fittings. Depending on how detailed you need to be, you may only need a couple pipe types.
- I use one pvc pipe type for sanitary piping so that single line views show the right fittings for the flow direction.
- I use another for pvc pipe type for vent piping which doesn't need the directional fittings for tees
- I then have a separate type for domestic water (copper type M)
- I have a separate type for refrigerant (ACR copper type L)
Vent, domestic water, and refrigerant could easily just be the same type when viewing as single line on plan views.
- Using the PVC for vent allows me to easily differentiate piping in a 3D view when doing coordination.
- I have separate types for domestic water and refrigerant because refrigerant piping will use sizes in increments of 1/8", while domestic water I only use in increments of 1/2", aside from the 3/4" size.
As far as piping systems, you will want to duplicate the out of the box systems to create any additional systems you will need to have. If for example you need to show domestic cold water supply, domestic hot water supply, and domestic hot water return, you'll need to duplicate the domestic hot water to make a return system. If you tag systems using their system abbreviations, you'll need different piping systems for each of those different kinds you want to tag.
Pipe types and piping systems aren't actually tied to each other, so you may need more of one than you do of the other. You may have 2 pipe types and 15 piping systems, or 2 piping systems and 15 different pipe types. But if you don't have a good reason to make extra types and systems, less is better/easier to use.
Tim Smith
IT Manager, Mechanical Engineer | Motz Engineering
“There is nothing more expensive than hiring cheap engineers.”
Experienced in Revit MEP/AutoCAD/Sketchup | Autodesk BPA Certificate
